While walking, I offered up my prayers, not by a vain motion
of the lips, but a sincere elevation of my heart, to the Great
Author of delightful nature, whose beauties were so charmingly
spread out before me! I never love to pray in a chamber; it seems to
me that the walls and all the little workmanship of man interposed
between God and myself: I love to contemplate Him in his works which
elevate my soul, and raise my thoughts to Him. My prayers were pure, I
can affirm it, and therefore worthy to be heard:- I asked for myself
and her from whom my thoughts were never divided, only an innocent and
quiet life, exempt from vice, sorrow, and want; I prayed that we might
die the death of the just, and partake their lot hereafter: for the
rest, it was rather admiration and contemplation than request, being
satisfied that the best means to obtain what is necessary from the
Giver of every perfect good, is rather to deserve than to solicit.
Returning from my walk, I lengthened the way by taking a roundabout
path, still contemplating with earnestness and delight the beautiful
scenes with which I was surrounded, those objects only that never
fatigue either the eye or the heart. As I approached our habitation, I
looked forward to see if Madam de Warrens was stirring, and when I
perceived her shutters open, I even ran with joy towards the house: if
they were yet shut I went into the garden to wait their opening,
amusing myself, meantime, by a retrospection of what I had read the
preceding evening, or in gardening.
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